Syndergaard has battled consistency all season

New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard struggled with more mechanical issues against the Detroit Tigers and his frustration is showing.

Rollercoaster.

In one word, it's how the Mets night went. The lead was traded back and forth all night with the Tigers, and the road team came out on top in the end after a three-run seventh iced the win.

It's also a word to describe Noah Syndergaard's season thus far. Before tonight's start, he had been pitching deep into games, and began show more control of his pitches. The Mets were hoping he had turned the corner...

Four-game win streak comes to an end after back-and-forth game at Citi Field

By Alex Smith | May 24 | 10:24PM

Share:

Mets win streak ends with 9-8 L00:01:31

New York Mets were fresh off a sweep of the Nationals but their 8 runs weren't enough to keep the Tigers at bay

The Mets crushed five home runs, but their pitching couldn't hold up in Friday's 9-8 loss to the Detroit Tigers. >> Box score

Seven things to know about Friday's game

1) The Tigers jumped on Noah Syndergaard early, scoring four runs in the first two innings. Nicholas Castellanos and Miguel Cabrera each drove in a run in the first, and Jacoby Jones jolted a two-run homer in the second. Syndergaard's night came to an end after 5.1 innings, as he tied his season-high with 10 hits allowed, leading to six Tiger runs.

2) The middle infielders provided a spark for the Mets, as Amed Rosario jump-started the offense in the third inning with a solo home run. Then, in the fourth, Adeiny Hechavarria slammed an opposite-field three-run shot, giving the Mets a 5-4 lead.

It was raining homers at Citi Field on Friday, but a recently departed Met crushed one of his own in his first plate appearance with his new team.

Keon Broxton destroyed the first pitch he saw as an Oriole, hitting a 474-foot home run for his first of the season.

Read More

Comments

Share:

WATCH: Mets' prospect LHP Anthony Kay talks Double-A dominance

Kay's 1.07 ERA with the Rumble Ponies is calling for a promotion

May 24 | 9:40PM

Share:

Prospect Profile: Anthony Kay00:02:31

New York Mets prospect Anthony Kay has been proving himself in AA and feels like he's pitching better than ever

Down in the Mets' minor leagues, LHP Anthony Kay has been tearing it up for the Doulbe-A Rumble Ponies this season.

The first-round pick by the Mets in the 2016 MLB Draft has been virtually untouchable with a 1.07 ERA and 0.77 WHIP over nine starts this season. He also threw a no-hit, seven-inning shutout during a doubleheader in his last start on May 20.

Kay is setting himself up perfectly for a promotion to Triple-A, and if he keeps it up, he could see a call-up to Queens, too.

Kay, along with his head coach Kevin Boles, sat down with SNY for a "Prospect Profile" to talk about the Mets' pitching prospects amazing start to 2019, and how he's been so successful thus far....

Former Mets slugger sees greatness in rookie first baseman

Darryl Strawberry cherishes the Mets record he set back in 1983, when he slugged 26 home runs has a rookie. It's part of an unforgettable season in his career, one in which he learned crucial lessons about what it took to thrive in the majors and how much callus-causing work was involved.

But the man called Straw does not greedily cling to the mark, nor does he want it to stand forever. Pete Alonso is putting Strawberry's record in serious jeopardy with each mighty swing and the former Mets superstar is rooting for him.

"Talent is going to come around and will shatter different records," Strawberry said in a telephone interview. "I'm hoping he does it. 1983 -- you know how long ago that is?

Mets look to keep win streak alive as Tigers come to town at 7:10 p.m.

Noah Syndergaard will get the ball against Gregory Soto

May 24 | 5:49PM

Share:

May 21, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets third baseman J.D. Davis (28) celebrates with Dominic Smith (22) after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports (Noah K. Murray)

The Mets (24-25, 4.5 GB in NL East) have won four straight games, and will take that momentum into their series opener with the Tigers (18-29, 14 GB in AL Central) at Citi Field on Friday at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.

Mets notes

Prior to tonight's game, Mets new OF Aaron Altherr was activated to the 25-man, while RHP Ryan O'Rourke was sent back down to Triple-A Syracuse. ...In three straight come-from-behind victories, the Mets have actually won in their last at-bat each time. It was Carlos Gomez Thursday afternoon who hit a three-run homer to retake the lead, and win the game for the Amazins.' ...Pete Alonso has set a Mets rookie record with 16 homers before the All-Star break. ...The Mets lead the NL with a .371 OBP from pinch hitters this season. They're also third with 15 RBI.

The Mets are adding even more outfield depth by signing former All-Star Matt Kemp to a minor-league deal, pending a physical. He'll initially report to Port St. Lucie.

Kemp was released by the Reds three weeks ago after Cincinnati acquired him from the Dodgers in December.

The 34-year-old, who was an All-Star just last season, was hitting .200 with one homer in 62 plate appearances with the Reds this season. Before he was released, he was placed on the injured list retroactive to April 22 with a broken rib.

If Edwin Diaz can't go for Mets on Friday, Drew Gagnon could serve as closer

Gagnon has been stellar out of the bullpen this month

May 24 | 4:55PM

Share:

New York Mets' Drew Gagnon delivers a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies Tuesday, July 10, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (AP)

The Mets' bullpen could have a different look on Friday night.

Speaking before the opener of this weekend's three-game series with Detroit, Mets manager Mickey Callaway said that he's unsure if Edwin Diaz will be available out of the pen on Friday. The Mets' closer pitched three of the last four days, tossing three scoreless innings over the course of the Mets' four-game sweep against the Nats.

According to Callaway, Drew Gagnon may get the call to close out the game if Diaz can't go. The 28-year-old righty has strung together seven straight scoreless outings and has established himself as one of the Mets' most reliable bullpen arms.

Mets' Michael Conforto hoping to return to lineup this weekend

Outfielder has been on the IL with a concussion

May 24 | 4:19PM

Sep 17, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets left fielder Michael Conforto (30) leads the high five line after a victory against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports (Bill Streicher)

Michael Conforto is inching closer to returning to the Mets lineup.

The outfielder was eligible to return from the 7-day concussion IL on Friday and while he was not re-activated, he did have nothing but positive news to report from Citi Field before the Mets' game against the Tigers.

"Feel good. Feel normal. Feel happy that I'm back to doing full baseball activity," he said. "Obviously the road trip was tough and not being there was even tougher. But it's been really fun to be with these guys through the last series and starting a new series today. So I feel good, feel 100 percent and we're just kinda taking it day-by-day."

A look at Carlos Gomez' full circle journey back to the Mets

Gomez made his big league debut with New York in 2007

May 23, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets right fielder Carlos Gomez (91) hits a three run home run against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)

Mets OF Carlos Gomez has started in right field the past four games, during which New York never lost against the Nationals.

Gomez, 33, was promoted from Triple-A Syracuse last week. If he had been promoted four days earlier, it would have been 12 years to the day since making his big-league debut wearing a Mets uniform in 2007.

Prior to being promoted the first time, Gomez was an elite, much-hyped prospect.

Mets activate Aaron Altherr to add more outfield reinforcement

RHP Ryan O'Rourke was sent back down to Triple-A

Apr 16, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Aaron Altherr (23) hits a single during the first inning of the game the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports (John Geliebter)

The Mets claimed Aaron Altherr off waivers from the Giants on Thursday, and he's already joining the team in Flushing.

The team announced on Friday that Altherr is being activated to the 25-man roster, while RHP Ryan O'Rourke has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.

It was an expected move by the Mets, as Altherr is out of options, which means he needed to be added to the roster. Still, with their entire starting outfield on the IL and both Carlos Gomez and Rajai Davis up from Triple-A Syracuse, the Mets could use more reinforcements.

Read More

Comments

Share:

WATCH: Mets' Noah Syndergaard picks this... or that

May 24 | 12:14PM

Share:

This or That: Noah Syndergaard00:00:42

Does New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard prefer Nicki Minaj or Cardi B? Peer into Noah's personality while he plays This or That

Does Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard prefer Nicki Minaj or Cardi B? Peer into Noah's personality while he plays This or That.

Just when it seemed like the Mets' season was slipping away and their manager on the brink, all appears to be well again after claiming a four-game sweep of the rival Washington Nationals at Citi Field.

May 24 | 12:33PM

The Mets signed veteran RHP Ervin Santana to a minor-league deal pending a physical, the team announced Friday.

Santana, 36, was granted free agency when the White Sox designated him for assignment in April. He went 0-2 with a 9.45 ERA in three starts. Santana would report to Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Over the past two seasons, Santana has only made eight starts, going 0-3 with an 8.53 ERA. He has allowed 36 runs, 50 hits and 15 homers in 38 innings.

Read More

Comments

Share:

Former Mets GM wishes Brodie Van Wagenen avoided this mistake

Van Wagenen's boldness and bravado may be his biggest weakness

May 24 | 10:28AM

Share:

Brodie Van Wagenen (Matthew Cerrone, MetsBlog.com)

If there is one thing Steve Phillips knew to avoid doing as Mets GM, it was making any sort of bold proclamation.

So when Brodie Van Wagenen boasted that the Mets were the favorites in the National League East before the season, Phillips knew that was a mistake.

"It was like, 'noooo, don't say that' because I just know how this goes," the SiriusXM baseball analyst said, per The Post.

Read More

Comments

Share:

ICYMI: Here's what happened Thursday in Mets land

Mets win season-high fourth straight game

May 24 | 8:27AM

Share:

New York Mets right fielder Carlos Gomez reacts after hitting a three-run home run against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning at Citi Field. (Andy Marlin/USA TODAY Sports)

The Mets (24-25, 4.5 GB in the NL East) rallied again on Thursday to complete a four-game sweep of the Nationals. They begin a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers on Friday at 7:10 p.m. at Citi Field.

Carlos Gomez latest Mets bench player to be crowned hero in win

Losing a cleat and hitting dingers, Gomez' hustle helped Mets win

Mickey Callaway spoke about the Mets 4-game series sweep and how it was important to get Carlos Gomez to the majors.

The Mets have needed to dip into their Triple-A Syracuse roster recently to alleviate some of the injuries plaguing their core players. And those have been called up are making an immediate impact.

For today's comeback win, that recent call-up was Carlos Gomez.

With two runners on and the Mets down one, Gomez found himself in a hole with a 1-2 count and two outs already on the board. But Wander Suero didn't hit his spot with a fastball, and Gomez put a quick swing on it to lift it over the fence for a three-run homer. And that was all she wrote as the Mets swept the four-game series...

Lineup scenarios for Mets as injuries mount, including Dominic Smith in outfield

The Mets are without their entire starting outfield and Robinson Cano

May 21, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets third baseman J.D. Davis (28) celebrates with Dominic Smith (22) after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports (Noah K. Murray)

With exactly one half of the Mets' regular starting lineup on the IL, it makes sense for them to get a bit creative when it comes to their lineup construction between now and when Michael Conforto, Jeff McNeil, Robinson Cano, and Brandon Nimmo return.

Mets manager Mickey Callaway hinted over the last two days about what some of that creativity could look like. Here are four lineup ideas the Mets should consider as they wait for their injured players to return...

Mets' Yoenis Cespedes out for season after ankle surgery

Cespedes suffered the injury during a 'violent fall' at his ranch

By Danny Abriano | May 23 | 3:40PM

Share:

Jul 24, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets injured left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) watches from the dugout during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

After recently suffering a "violent fall" at his ranch, Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes' season is officially over without it having ever begun.

Van Wagenen said Monday that Cespedes was being evaluated at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and that they needed more information from doctors before fully understanding the severity of the injury.

A curious non-move by Callaway became a footnote

May 23, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets right fielder Carlos Gomez (91) is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a three run home run against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)

The Mets won a wild one against the Nats on Thursday afternoon to complete a four-game sweep >> Box score

Five things to know about Thursday's game

1) Trailing 4-3 with two outs in the bottom of the eighth, the Nats elected to walk Wilson Ramos intentionally to put runners on first and second for Carlos Gomez, who crushed a three-run homer to left-center field off reliever Wander Suarez to give the Mets a 6-4 lead. Dominic Smith had doubled to start the inning.

The Mets are now without exactly one half of their regular starting lineup.

A day after Jeff McNeil expressed optimism he would be able to return to the lineup Thursday after sitting on Wednesday due to hamstring tightness, McNeil -- who has not yet had an MRI -- has been placed on the 10-day IL.

McNeil said Thursday that he feels the injury is minor and that he hopes to be back as soon as the minimum 10 days are up.

Steven Matz, Mets seek sweep over Nationals, Thursday at 12:10 p.m.

Mets go for season-high fourth consecutive win

May 23 | 9:53AM

Share:

New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citi Field. (Andy Marlin/USA TODAY Sports)

The Mets (23-25, 4.5 GB in NL East) go for a series sweep and seek to win their fourth straight game (which would be a season high) when they take on the Nationals (19-30, 9 GB) on Thursday at 12:10 p.m. at Citi Field.

Mets notes

Pete Alonso has a .302/.375/.698 batting line with four home runs and nine RBIs in 12 games against the Nationals this season. ... Over his last six games, Todd Frazier is hitting .412 with one RBI and three extra-base hits. ... The Mets bullpen has the best ERA (2.03) in the majors in the month of May and has held opponents to a .173 batting average.

ICYMI: Here's what happened Wednesday in Mets land

A lot happened, and the Mets won again

May 22, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria (11) and New York Mets third baseman Todd Frazier (21) and New York Mets right fielder Carlos Gomez (91) celebrate after scoring on a double by New York Mets center fielder Juan Lagares (not pictured) during the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

The Mets (23-25, 4.5 GB in the NL East) rallied late to beat the Nationals on Wednesday night at Citi Field as they won their third-straight game. They wrap up their series with the Nats on Thursday at 12:10 PM.

Here's what went down on Tuesday, in case you missed it:

In the Mets' win over the Nats, New York turned a 1-0 eighth-inning deficit into a 6-1 lead in the span of two batters >> Read more

Read More

Comments

Share:

From an Uber to pinch-hit homer, Rajai Davis' first night with Mets was crazy

Davis made it to the Mets in the third inning just in time for late dramatics

New York Mets outfielder Rajai Davis hits his first career pinch hit home run in his first ever Mets at bat to give Mets a 6-1 lead.

Playing for seven different teams in his 14-year career, one would think Rajai Davis has seen it all in the baseball world. But debuting for his eighth team in the Mets on Wednesday night was definitely one he will never forget.

Davis has been playing for the Triple-A Syracuse Mets, and he woke up this morning in Allentown, PA like any other day. He arrived at Coca-Cola Park, and began warming up to face the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs -- the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate. But while taking his BP, Davis was told that he was actually getting called up.

The 38-year-old thought it was a joke, but it turns out Brandon Nimmo was put on the IL after an MRI revealed inflammation has been causing his neck stiffness. And the news came less than two hours before first pitch at Citi Field. So Davis had to pack his things as fast as possible, and hightail it to Flushing to join the big club...

Mickey Callaway praises Mets' depth after 6-1 victory over Nationals

Role players Juan Lagares and Rajai Davis delivered late for the Mets

By Alex Smith | May 22 | 11:27PM

Share:

Mets depth key in latest victory00:01:46

New York Mets outfielder Rajai Davis explains how he was late getting to the game but happy he was able to contribute right away.

The Mets turned to some late-inning dramatics for the second night in a row, as Juan Lagares and Rajai Davis delivered a pair of huge hits in the eighth inning of the Mets' 6-1 win over Washington. >> Box score

Five things to know about Wednesday's game

1) The Mets received some late-game clutch hitting for the second night in a row on Wednesday. The Nats' bullpen loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, and Juan Lagaresdelivered the clutch blow, raking a double into the left-center gap to give the Mets the 3-1 lead. After an intentional walk to Wilson Ramos, Rajai Davis lined a three-run shot to left in his first at-bat as a Met, extending the lead to 6-1.

Mets takeaways from 6-1 win over Nats, including late-inning magic from Juan Lagares and Rajai Davis

Jacob deGrom returned to form, and the Mets' bats came to life in the eighth for third-straight win

By Alex Smith | May 22 | 10:17PM

Share:

Mets crush Nationals 6-100:01:12

New York Mets needed some late heroics from Juan Lagares and Rajai Davis to pave the way for their 6-1 victory.

The Mets turned to some late-inning dramatics for the second night in a row, as Juan Lagares and Rajai Davis delivered a pair of huge hits in the eighth inning of the Mets' 6-1 win over Washington. >> Box score

Five things to know about Wednesday's game

1) The Mets received some late-game clutch hitting for the second night in a row on Wednesday. The Nats' bullpen loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, and Juan Lagaresdelivered the clutch blow, raking a double into the left-center gap to give the Mets the 3-1 lead. After an intentional walk to Wilson Ramos, Rajai Davis lined a three-run shot to left in his first at-bat as a Met, extending the lead to 6-1.

Mets-Nationals Highlights

May 22 | 10:11PM

New York Mets outfielder Juan Lagares clears the bases with a 3-run double to give the Mets a 3-1 lead in the 8th inning.

The Mets couldn't push anything across the scoreboard against Max Scherzer, but when Sean Doolittle took the mound, it was a very different story.

New York found the bases loaded and a chance to not only tie the game, but take the lead as well. Juan Lagares was up for the task as he hit a three-run double to clear the bases and give the Mets the lead.

But the Mets weren't done in that inning. In his first at-bat as a Met after being called up today, Rajai Davis had a pinch-hit three-run homer to put the nail in the coffin...

Read More

Comments

Share:

Robinson Cano leaves game with injury after hustling to first base vs. Nats

With Brandon Nimmo's neck stiffness persisting, he is heading to the IL, the team announced on Wednesday.

Nimmo was set to have an MRI today to see what was wrong with his neck, and it revealed inflammation in the area. On Tuesday, Nimmo said he was "a little bit concerned" about it, while adding the stiffness from earlier this season never fully went away.

"I'm a little bit concerned about it, but we're hoping that we'll find some answers tomorrow," Nimmo said. "It's been going off and on since really Philadelphia...

Read More

Comments

Share:

With depth dwindling, Mets now open to Dominic Smith in outfield

"I want to get out there, I want to help the team no matter where I'm at"

New York Mets first baseman Dom Smith is open to playing other positions but could catcher actually be an option?

Since Spring Training, the Mets have made it a point to say Dominic Smith is being viewed by the team as primarily a first baseman. That meant no outfield reps for the 23-year-old, even though he told the team he wanted to do so.

Fast forward a few months and the Mets have been left no choice but to consider Smith for outfield time considering the recent injuries to players like Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil.

Manager Mickey Callaway admitted to the media before Wednesday night's game against the Nationals that Smith could be featured in the outfield if need be.

Mitchell's father is the Mets' Director of Player Relations and Community Engagement

May 22 | 7:29PM

Share:

Mitchell takes BP before game00:01:26

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell took BP with the Mets. Mitchell's dad is the Director of Player Relations and Community Engagement.

Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell was in the house at Citi Field on Wednesday night, and if his NBA career doesn't end up working out, he could potentially pick up a career in baseball.

Mitchell, who averaged 23.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game last season, took some confident swings inside the cage, met with Mets' players, and even took some infield work at first base.

Named to the 2017-18 All-Rookie team, Mitchell has family ties to the Mets, as his father, Donovan Mitchell Sr., serves as the team's Director of Player Relations and Community Engagement.

The Mets (22-25, 5.5 GB in NL East) have bounced back from a five-game skid to capture back-to-back victories against the Nats. Jacob deGrom toes the rubber tonight attempting to push the streak to three games.

Mets notes

After Tuesday night's walkoff 6-5 win over Washington (the team's second walkoff win of the year), the Mets can clinch their fifth series win of the season with a victory tonight. ... The Mets have posted a 16-13 record against NL East foes, the most wins by any team against its own division this season. ... deGrom is 2-1 with a 2.37 ERA in his three career duels against Max Scherzer. ... Pete Alonso's 16 home runs are the most ever by a Mets rookie before the All-Star break.

Shea Anything: Mickey Stays On, Yo Stays Home

May 22 | 6:07PM

Share:

Doug Williams and Andy Martino return for a special second helping of Shea Anything this week! Since the last show, the Mets committed to Mickey Callaway for the "foreseeable future" - and the guys explain how it went down and what it all means.

They also try to figure out what happened to Yoenis Cespedes on his ranch, and what could happen to his future with the Mets...

Michael Conforto takes big step back to Mets

The outfielder was seen playing catch and throwing at Citi Field

New York Mets right fielder Michael Conforto leaves the game after an apparent injury during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. (Brad Mills/USA TODAY Sports)

A day after GM Brodie Van Wagenen said the Mets were waiting to see what baseball activities he could participate in, Michael Conforto was seen on Citi Field looking like his normal self.

Conforto was deemed symptom-free of his concussion over the weekend, and the Mets were awaiting his test results to see how to proceed. Well, the veteran outfielder was playing catch and "delivering throws with some zip," per MLB.com's Anthony DiComo. He even said Conforto came out of the clubhouse "smiley," which is always a good sign.

Conforto was placed on the 7-day concussion DL on Friday after leaving Thursday's game against the Nationals in the bottom of the fifth inning after getting hit in the face by Robinson Cano's shoulder while both of them were trying to field a fly ball...

Jeff McNeil is out of the Mets' lineup on Wednesday night due to a hamstring issue he first felt in the ninth inning of Tuesday's win.

"Felt it last night, got some treatment," McNeil said before the game. "It's tight."

In the ninth inning on Tuesday, McNeil reached on a fielder's choice before taking second base on defensive indifference, where he said he first felt the hamstring bothering him -- "kind of tigthened up on me there and I was feeling it."

Scouts on Pete Alonso, whose adjustments have Mets' single-season HR record in sight

'The more I see of him, the more impressed I am -- especially in a big spot'

Pete Alonso fell behind in the count, 0-2, in the eighth inning Tuesday night, fouling off and then swinging through high fastballs at 98 mph, so the power vs. power showdown seemed to favor Tanner Rainey, a 26-year old rookie called up from the minors a few days ago.

As a National League scout said Wednesday, "I wouldn't have bet on Alonso at that point. Lately he's been getting pitched tougher and he's been chasing up in the zone a little more, which is normal for a young guy when he goes through his first rough patch.

"But I'll tell you, the more I see of him, the more impressed I am -- especially in a big spot. He's hit a lot of big home runs in the late innings, and after a while you start to think it's not an accident."

On This Date: Mets trade for Hall of Fame C Mike Piazza

Then-GM Steve Phillips: "I think we invented the chest bump. It was so exciting"

Former Mets catcher and Hall of Fame member Mike Piazza addresses the crowd during a ceremony to retire his number (31) prior to the game between New York Mets and the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. (Andy Marlin)

On this date in 1998, while working the service desk at Home Depot, I answered an urgent phone call from my mother, who, as a Mets fan herself, was eager to tell me the Mets traded for "that pizza guy," as she called him.

I laughed, knowing full well she meant Mike Piazza, who never would have become the legend he is in Queens had the Dodgers never turned their backs on his contract request.

Piazza wanted at least $91 million during his Spring Training negotiations with the Dodgers in early 1998. They never offered more than $84 million, Piazza rejected it, and Los Angeles began floating his name in trade talks with interested teams. The Mets were among several teams to show interest...

Mets get something back via trade for recently DFA'd Keon Broxton

Broxton was designated for assignment on May 17

May 5, 2019; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New York Mets outfielder Keon Broxton (23) walks back to the dugout after striking out against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports (Michael McLoone)

The Mets have gotten something back for Keon Broxton after designating him for assignment on May 17.

New York had seven days to either trade Broxton or place him on waivers, and swung a trade on Wednesday to send Broxton to the Orioles for $500,000 in international bonus pool money.

Getting that amount of international bonus pool money for a player they would've otherwise placed on waivers -- and couldn't force to accept a minor league assignment if he cleared waivers -- is a solid get for the Mets. But it doesn't erase the fact that the initial Broxton trade was a massive failure for GM Brodie Van Wagenen.

Read More

Comments

Share:

Explaining why the Mets spared Mickey Callaway

When will the team replace its manager now?

New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway looks on as his players warm up before a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski/AP)

Following an embarrassing weekend in Miami, when the historically bad Marlins swept a Mets team that lacked any signs of life, the Mets front office knew it had only two choices: Fire manager Mickey Callaway immediately or say publicly that his job was safe.

GM Brodie Van Wagenen chose to do that latter, of course, even though it's very clear that the Mets do not view Callaway as their manager of the future, or particularly effective at his job. In a year-plus, Callaway has improved somewhat as a tactician and communicator, but clearly lacks the necessary presence or expertise.